Swamp dogwood, Cornus foemina is found frequently throughout Florida’s wet hammocks, along the edges of swamps and floodplain forests. It has the potential to grow to 15 feet high, with stiff, upright branches, reddish-purplish stems; dark green leaves which are 1 to 4 inches long. The one in my neighborhood is only about 6 feet tall and very lovely in the spring. The creamy white flowers bloom in a cluster measuring up to 3 inches across. The fruit turn blue once they mature in the fall. Typical of most dogwood plants, this shrub is deciduous and drops its leaves in the fall. It should be planted in partially shady sites in well-drained, moist areas but not in continually wet soil. Swamp dogwood prefers slightly acidic soil. It requires little care, has few disease or insect issues.

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